As adults age, simple, everyday tasks such as using the toilet can become a challenge — or even a danger — to their safety. As the most hazardous room in the home, bathrooms pose considerable risks of slipping and falling, sending more than 234,000 people to the emergency room every year.
Falls are especially perilous for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of emergency room visits by individuals aged 65 and older are due to falls.
Thankfully, there are simple, affordable solutions that can make the bathroom — and using the toilet, in particular — safer for older adults. This post provides an overview of toilet grab bars, how to install them, and how to maintain them to safeguard the loved ones in your life.
What Are Toilet Grab Bars?
Toilet grab bars provide a secure grip that can help individuals stay upright and prevent falls when sitting down or standing up from the toilet. They should be an essential safety device in any home, especially for those who have reduced mobility or balance.
Available from a wide variety of home improvement stores and websites, toilet grab bars come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials and can be installed in virtually any bathroom. The most common grab bars are made of metal (usually aluminum or stainless steel) and are secured to a nearby wall using mounting hardware.
The benefits of installing toilet grab bars in your home include increased safety and stability while using the toilet, improved balance and posture, and reduced risk of falls and injury. Having toilet grab bars in your home also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have an extra layer of support and security when using the bathroom.
Types of Toilet Grab Bars
When it comes to choosing the right type of toilet grab bar for your bathroom, there are several factors to consider. With a wide variety of sizes and materials available, it’s important to choose toilet grab bars based primarily on their strength and durability.
The most common materials include stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and rubber (or a combination of any of these materials). Stainless steel is the most popular type of material used for grab bars because it is strong and rust-resistant. Plastic and rubber grab bars are less expensive than metal but may not be as durable or sturdy.
Once you have chosen the material, you can then decide on the size that best suits your particular situation, especially the layout of the bathroom. Smaller grab bars may be better suited for people with limited mobility, while larger ones may be necessary for those who need extra support when sitting or standing up from the toilet.
Most grab bars are affixed to a wall, but some models can be installed to both the wall and the floor, providing additional support. These can be referred to as “floor mount” or “wall to floor” grab bars.
Installing Toilet Grab Bars
Installing a toilet grab bar is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s critical that it’s affixed to the wall securely and correctly. We strongly recommend hiring a professional handyman or contractor to install grab bars, but if you, a friend, or a family member are skilled with tools and construction work, then you can follow these basic installation steps.
First, measure the space around your toilet to determine where the grab bar should be placed. Make sure your measurements are accurate before purchasing a grab bar. For best results, use a stud finder to locate the framing studs behind the drywall, and, if possible, plan to attach the grab bar directly to the wall frame. If the studs don’t line up with your needed position, use wall anchors to attach the bar to the drywall.
Once you have chosen the right size and material for your grab bar, prepare the room for installation. You will need a few basic tools such as a drill, screws, wall anchors, and a level. Begin by drilling holes in the wall (and floor, if needed) where the grab bar will be mounted. Then insert wall anchors into each hole and attach the grab bar using screws.
Maintenance
Once your toilet grab bar has been installed, it’s important to maintain it regularly to ensure its longevity and stability. Cleaning your grab bar with soap and water on a weekly basis will help to keep it free from dirt and debris buildup, which can lessen its resistance to slips.
You should also check periodically for signs of corrosion or wear-and-tear on the material, as this could affect its strength and stability over time.
If you notice any problems with your toilet grab bar such as loose screws or signs of corrosion, repair these issues immediately to avoid further damage or injury. Most repairs can be done easily with just a few basic tools such as pliers or a screwdriver. If you’re unsure about how to repair something yourself, contact a professional for assistance.
Find Assistance with Omicelo Health
Toilet grab bars are an essential safety device for any home bathroom. They provide support and stability when sitting down or standing up from the toilet, helping to reduce the risk of falls and injury. For more bathroom safety tips click here.
If you’d like some guidance for choosing, buying, or installing toilet grab bars, contact the team at Omicelo Health. We’re available to help with any questions related to home modifications that allow you and your loved ones to age in place in the home you love.
With proper installation and maintenance of your toilet grab bars, you can enjoy increased safety and security while using your bathroom for years to come.
Contact us today if you’d like assistance.
